My therapy cat visit this weekend was to the pair of assisted living facilities near our house. Although they are both for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the first house has people in the more advanced stages, and the second has those whose condition hasn’t progressed as much.
As is often the case, many of the people in the living room of the first house weren’t very responsive. A lot of them were dozing on the couches or in their wheelchairs in front of the big TV. One loud, smiling man we’ve seen before was happy to see me. He always is.
One wheelchair-bound woman was more cognizant than the others. I let her hold me, and although she had to ask my name four times, she carried on a conversation with my human. She cried several times because she missed her cats from her long-ago old life. It was kind of sad but I was glad to be there for her.
The second house had several people who were happy to see me, and a couple of the women were very talkative. I was especially good here, and laid down on some laps, or next to people on the couches. I even let another woman hold me there. I’m not that big on being held, but I understood that these people needed it.
Although my human always brings one of our organization’s Instamatic cameras, the residents used their phones to take photos. And of course when they pulled them out, I posed nicely for them! Just because I’m on the job as a therapy cat, I can still be a pro model too.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- Sometimes the Quiet Therapy Cat Visits are the Best
- Dropping in on the Seniors
- Therapy Cat Senior Sunday
2022 Somali Cat Calendar Starring Summer Samba
See all of Summer’s merch at her her Zazzle Designercat Shop
It’s a wonderful thing to visit people who much of the time don’t get visitors at all unless it’s a doctor! They appreciate seeing a cat – who just might rekindle memories of their childhood or pets they used to have. Reminder that there’s unconditional love in the world.
Hugs, Teddy
Summer…how fortunate that you are who you are!
How kind you ladies are to give your time, training, and talents to bring cheer to the residents! I hope one day if I’m in a home, that some loving and sweet kitty and their person come to share their love with me! XOXO
Assisted living facilities can be such sad places. I know you lit up all of their lives that day!
Summer, it is so very kind of you to visit all of these people. They get very lonely and sad. Cognitive disabilities can be very hard to live with. I’m sure that the ones that were able to enjoy your presence really did enjoy it. If my kitties were more personable (and Michigan had more opportunites for therapy cats), I would train them to be therapy cats too.
You are a superstar for being so amazing for those poor soles
You are terrific! And we know you are the best model EVER! Your #1 Fan, Marv
Summer I know you bring sooo much joy to those individuals. Thank you for making a difference!
Sounds like you made them all very happy. XO
I know you made their day sweet Summer, even though some of them couldn’t tell you that.
Thank you for the good works.
You bring so much joy to these people, Summer.
I think you are particularly good for people who can’t remember much of their old life. Just being there helps to bring back some of those old memories.
Summer, it sounds like you brought a lot of joy to the people in the homes .
That is such a good thing 🙂
Purrs, Julie